From what I’ve gathered talking to numerous rangers over 10 years, the loop is
mainly closed to cars over night to protect wildlife from poachers. However,
we are welcome to walk in at any time. Additionally, I’m pretty sure if an
arranged owl tour was planned they would make an exception.
Alexis
On Feb 2, 2019, at 6:50 AM, Robert Biller <xyon42@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
Maybe something that can be prearranged with the park in order to stay longer
for the owls. I bet something can be worked out on an individual or group
level. My first thought, when I read this new protocol - that it was similar
to when they stopped birders from accessing areas on the Chesapeake Bay
Bridge Tunnel without an escort, advance notice, and an extra fee. Maybe
something can be worked out here too..
Couldn’t hurt to ask :)
Rob
Rob Biller
Elizabethton, TN
Sent from my iPhone
On Feb 1, 2019, at 7:45 PM, Randy Winstead <randywendy@xxxxxxx> wrote:
Thanks for the update. Maybe when somebody goes now to look for the
Short-eared Owl, they also need to take someone along who is willing to have
an accident.
Randy Winstead
Maryville, Blount County
On Friday, February 1, 2019, 7:38:56 PM EST, Alexis DeCaprio
<coyoteprettyphotography@xxxxxxxxx> wrote:
It is unfortunately protocol now for them to start closing right at sunset
unless all rangers are busy with rescues, accidents, crimes, etc.
Alexis DeCaprio
On Feb 1, 2019, at 7:34 PM, Randy Winstead <randywendy@xxxxxxx> wrote:
Michael Ryon and I observed a Short-eared Owl a few minutes after sunset at
its typical location on Hyatt Lane in Cades Cove. We saw it both in
flight, with wing patches clearly visible, and perched on a tree, at which
point we got good views through Michael's spotting scope. Note, however,
that we were ushered out by a park ranger about 15 minutes after sunset. I
am used to being ushered out on Sparks Lane, but this is the first time
that I have ever been escorted out on Hyatt Lane. Another birder mentioned
that the same thing happened to her earlier this year. I don't know if
this is a new protocol, or if this is simply a quicker and more efficient
implementation of an existing protocol. In either case, lengthy stays
after sunset, even of thirty minutes or so, might not always be available
in the future.
Randy Winstead
Maryville, Blount County
